Chapter 262: Responses

Chapter 262: Responses

Emerging from the infirmary, Felix stood by the window in the castle corridor. In the distance, he could see the young wizards and witches returning from the holidays, appearing from below the long slope. Even though he couldn't hear their voices, he could imagine their excited conversations from their gestures.

"School starts tomorrow. I should probably ask Percy Weasley during the feast, the seventh and sixth years. This time period tends to evoke certain thoughts..." Felix murmured to himself. "And there's Dumbledore's conversation with Lupin. Though I'm not privy to the specifics, one can infer from the Headmaster's demeanor afterward."

"It's as if I'm standing at a crucial juncture of a play. What lies ahead – an ordinary resolution or a mind-bending twist?"

"Felix—"

Professor McGonagall's voice echoed from the other end of the corridor. She was hurrying, her robes trailing behind her.

"My Patronus couldn't find you..." She reached Felix, her chest heaving, and rapidly spoke, "Dumbledore has arranged a series of tasks. Hagrid and Snape went to the station to pick up students, Filch is adjusting the school's protective enchantments, and a few secret passages need to be temporarily sealed... Dumbledore himself is meeting with the centaur chieftain—"

A flicker of realization crossed Felix's mind, and he cautiously asked, "Did Headmaster Dumbledore mention anything about the rat in his orders?"

"Oh," Professor McGonagall gave him a strange look. "Dumbledore said you might know and instructed me not to keep it from you. But it's best not to spread this information—"

"I need to go to the infirmary and the common room, check if Weasley's rat is still there. Merlin's beard, when Dumbledore told me, I could hardly believe it – it turns out Scabbers might actually be an Animagus, possibly a black wizard."

"Is there anything I can do, Miller?"

"There are two secret passages directly connecting to Hogsmeade within the castle. We need your help to seal them..."

Later, in the staff room next to the Great Hall, Felix once again encountered Dumbledore. He was engaged in an intense conversation with Professor McGonagall, both wearing grave expressions.

"Percy Weasley told me, it was twelve years ago..."

Apart from McGonagall, Felix also noticed Lupin, whom he hadn't seen in a while. He appeared tired, even more so than before.

McGonagall was reporting the tasks assigned by Dumbledore, "...Hagrid and Snape carried out their duties perfectly, without any mishaps. Filch will need some more time. As for the seven secret passages, four were sealed a long time ago. The other three, the one under the Whomping Willow – I was advised to leave it be – and then the remaining two..." She looked at Felix.

Felix responded, "The one leading to the one-eyed witch statue on the fourth floor has been sealed with a spell. The collapsed passage behind the mirror on the fifth floor."

After a brief pause, he couldn't help but inquire, "Dumbledore, I'm having a hard time understanding. Are you concerned that Black might use these passages to enter the castle? Why not set traps in them?"

Dumbledore shook his head gently, "The risks are too great. They directly lead into the heart of the castle. I've only left the one near the Forbidden Forest, hoping it might reveal some trace of Black."

Lupin's expression dimmed. To testify, he would inevitably have to reveal what happened in the past, and his status as a werewolf wouldn't be spared. The wizarding world knew all too well the Ministry's stance on werewolves.

"Remus, we've done our best under the circumstances."

The short meeting ended, and both Professor McGonagall and Lupin left. "Felix—" Dumbledore called him from behind, and Felix looked at the headmaster with confusion.

"If you apprehend Black – and I have no doubt you will – I hope you can keep him under control, without letting anyone else know, especially Severus and the Ministry."

"The Ministry I understand, but Professor Snape—"

"The misunderstandings between them run deep. I fear Severus might act recklessly. For now, I must weigh my options more carefully, Felix."

"...I promise you, Headmaster."

Felix left the staff room and entered the bustling Great Hall. Waves of excited voices filled the air as everyone chatted loudly. He spotted Fred and George tapping their goblets and empty plates with their utensils, creating a crisp sound.

...

The banquet concluded amidst laughter and cheers. Felix returned to his office and replayed the day's events in his mind. He realized that the crux of the matter lay in Sirius Black and Scabbers. Capturing either one of them could unveil the long-buried truth.

Shaking his head, he decided to focus on his teaching for the new term. The Room of Requirement had undergone significant changes, giving him a great idea.

"As I attempt this in the Ancient Runes class for seventh years, the world of thought is becoming increasingly marvelous. What it will transform into by the end – even I cannot predict."

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